il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-ˌnāt 
illuminated; illuminating
1
a(1)
: to supply or brighten with light
(2)
: to make luminous or shining
b
: to enlighten spiritually or intellectually
c
: to subject to radiation
d
archaic
: to set alight
2
3
: to make illustrious or resplendent
4
: to decorate (something, such as a manuscript) with gold or silver or brilliant colors or with often elaborate designs or miniature pictures
il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-nət
1
archaic
: brightened with light
2
archaic
: intellectually or spiritually enlightened
il·lu·mi·nate
i-ˈlü-mə-nət
archaic
: one having or claiming unusual enlightenment
Examples of illuminate in a Sentence
Verb
the part of the moon illuminated by the sun
A university study has illuminated the problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 3 May 2025
With a career spanning over three decades, Carter has become one of Hollywood’s most respected storytellers, using fabric, texture, and color to illuminate Black life on screen.
—Essence, 1 May 2025
Both outlets suggest that the moon may be illuminated by Earthshine, where the sunlight reflected off of the Earth reaches the moon.
—James Powel, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
Whether the special lamp’s core purpose was to illuminate rooms or the eyes of admirers became a materially relevant question.
—Will Peischel, Curbed, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
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Verb
Ben Oliver, another frequent contributor, leaned into his extensive experience track-testing cars beyond 200 mph and road cycling to illuminate the physical and mental sensations of speed and why humans thrill at going ever faster, danger be damned.
—Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 3 May 2025
With a career spanning over three decades, Carter has become one of Hollywood’s most respected storytellers, using fabric, texture, and color to illuminate Black life on screen.
—Essence, 1 May 2025
Both outlets suggest that the moon may be illuminated by Earthshine, where the sunlight reflected off of the Earth reaches the moon.
—James Powel, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
Whether the special lamp’s core purpose was to illuminate rooms or the eyes of admirers became a materially relevant question.
—Will Peischel, Curbed, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illuminate
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illuminate. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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